Ducks Digest

Why Oregon’s New Uniforms Could Be Ducks’ Biggest Recruiting Weapon

Ahead of the Oregon Ducks' game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Autzen Stadium, the team released a new Nike uniform combination that adds to the teams' prowess on the recruiting trail.
Ally Osborne|
Oct 21, 2023; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Iapani Laloulu (72) looks on during warm ups prior to the game against the Washington State Cougars at Autzen Stadium.
Oct 21, 2023; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Iapani Laloulu (72) looks on during warm ups prior to the game against the Washington State Cougars at Autzen Stadium. | Soobum Im-Imagn Images

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Oregon DucksOklahoma State Cowboys

After a dominant 59-13 start to the season against the Montana State Bobcats, the Oregon Ducks are preparing to take on the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Autzen Stadium in a new uniform combination that continues to support Oregon's recruiting strategy.

Modeled by starting junior center Iapani "Poncho" Laloulu, the Ducks will wear their "Gang Green" uniform outright. The leader of Oregon's offensive line introduced the uniform combination by playing a ukulele in front of one of Autzen Stadium's waterfalls.

The "Gang Green" uniform is based off the Ducks team from 1994, coached by Rich Brooks. During that season, former Ducks wide receiver Kenny Wheaton accomplished his iconic "The Pick" which helped Oregon clinch a win against the Washington Huskies.

Iapani "Poncho" Laloulu models Oregon Ducks Football's uniform for their game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
Iapani "Poncho" Laloulu models Oregon Ducks Football's uniform for their game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys. | @goducks on "X"

What the Fans Should Wear to Match

Oregon Duck fans are encouraged to wear green to match the Ducks' uniform. Seven of Oregon's games this season are green-outs.

How Does Oregon's Uniforms Impact Their Recruiting?

Oregon's reputation for uniforms continues to aid on the recruiting trail. When recruits come to Eugene, photoshoots while wearing Oregon's uniforms is par for the course.

Even when asking recruits what made them choose the Ducks, style tends to come to the forefront.

"He played a big role, like a huge, big role. He's actually waiting on me to get up there, he's got a lot of stuff planned for me. He's gonna help me make my shoe," said freshman Na'eem Offord said on his reason for committing to Oregon.

Iapani "Poncho" Laloulu models Oregon Ducks Football's uniform for their game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
Iapani "Poncho" Laloulu models Oregon Ducks Football's uniform for their game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys. | @goducks on "X"

Oregon's 2025 Color Schedule:

Aug. 30 vs. Montana State - Stripe Out (Even sections wear yellow, odd sections wear green)

Sept. vs. Oklahoma State - Wear Green

Sept. 13 at Northwestern Wildcats - Wear Green

Sept. 20 vs. Oregon State - Wear Black

Sept. 27 at Penn State - Wear Green

Oct. 11 vs. Indiana - Wear Yellow

Oct. 18 at Rutgers - Wear Green

Oct. 25 vs. Wisconsin - Wear Tie-Dye or Green

Nov. 8 at Iowa - Wear Green

Nov. 14 vs. Minnesota - Wear Green

Nov. 22 vs. USC - Wear Black 

Nov. 29 at Washington - Wear Green

Interestingly enough, this is the first time in over ten years the Oregon Ducks have not had a white-themed game, and the first time the Ducks host a game not based on their traditional colors (green, white, black, yellow) like the tie dye game since 2019' "pink out" in honor of breast cancer survivors.

Iapani "Poncho" Laloulu models Oregon Ducks Football's uniform for their game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
Iapani "Poncho" Laloulu models Oregon Ducks Football's uniform for their game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys. | @goducks on "X"

MORE: Dillon Gabriel Makes Big Change After Kenny Pickett Trade With Nod To Oregon Legend

MORE: Expectations Rising Even Higher For Oregon Ducks Star Freshman Dakorien Moore

MORE: Oregon Ducks Fans Color To Wear vs. Oklahoma State In Autzen Stadium

MORE: Oregon Quarterback Dante Moore, Autzen Stadium Under Scrutiny by Mike Gundy

MORE: Alabama, Texas A&M Pushing to Flip Oregon Ducks' Five-Star Recruit

Oregon's Rivals Respect the Uniform Game

Breaking headlines this week, USC Trojan safety Bishop Fitzgerald gave the Ducks props as one of the teams he's excited to play this season, specifically mentioning Oregon's uniform game.

"Playing at Oregon. Every kid dreams of Oregon, their jerseys, the stadium, all of that," Fitzgerald said.

Even other Big Ten Conference teams agree, Oregon's uniforms are No. 1

At the Big Ten media days in Las Vegas, @strictlyfootball on TikTok interviewed several athletes from around the conference about their favorite uniforms, and one team stood out from the rest: Oregon.

"You've got to go with Oregon. You've got to go with Oregon," said Wisconsin cornerback Ricardo Hallman.

"I think just because, coming up as a kid you always saw Oregon. Know what I'm saying? The whole colorway. So I'll go with Oregon," said Maryland offensive lineman Isaiah Wright.

"All the jerseys in the Big Ten are great but imma have to go with Oregon," said Rutgers linebacker Dariel Djabome.

Originating from Oregon's deep relationship with Nike

Since the sportswear company's founder, Phil Knight, graduated from the University of Oregon in 1959, Nike has been tied to the Ducks. Nike frequently experiments with new technology on Oregon athletes, and their relationship with the Ducks is thoroughly detailed in a mini-documentary posted to the GoDucks Youtube.

Published | Modified
Ally Osborne
ALLY OSBORNE

A reporter for Oregon Ducks on SI, Ally Osborne is a born and raised Oregonian. She graduated from the University of Oregon's School of Journalism and Communications in 2021 after interning for the Oregon Sports Network with experience working on live sporting broadcasts for ESPN, FOX Sports, the PAC 12 Network, and Runnerspace. Osborne continued her career in Bend, Oregon as a broadcast reporter in 2021 for Central Oregon Daily News while writing for Oregon Ducks on SI. Since then, Osborne is entering her third season reporting for the publication and is frequently the on-site reporter for home games at Autzen Stadium in Eugene. She is currently the host of lifestyle shows "Everyday Northwest" and "Tower Talk Live" for KOIN 6 News in Portland, Oregon. Osborne also works as a sports reporter for KOIN 6's "Game On" sports department. In her free time, Osborne is an avid graphic designer, making art commissions for athletes across her home state. Osborne's designs have even become tattoos for a few Duck athletes.

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